A double-barrelled set of novels from Dan Abnett, exploring the Adeptus Arbites attempts to enforce Imperial law on a sprawling hive planet amid scandals, cults, and much worse.
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Head down into the depths of a hive world, where a corrupted planetary governor has sent the populace into a perilous spiral they may not recover from. Will the population revolt? Can the Adeptus Arbites save this benighted world?
THE STORY
Welcome to Sacramentus. Austerity and toil will teach the true measure of the Hive's failing. No one is blameless. The planetary governor has fallen, deposed in scandal and treachery. The Adeptus Arbites roam the smog-choked vertics and zontals, rooting out traitors, enforcing the Imperial law without mercy.
As a new governor, an outsider, is crowned, the Hive teeters between order and anarchy. Whispers of rebellion echo from the heights of the Waistland to the depths of the Neg. Rival gangs seize both opportunity and territory, and forbidden cults grow ever bolder. But unbeknownst to all, a more terrifying threat awaits in the darkness.
May your light last, pilgrim. If the Emperor protects, perhaps we shall make it out alive.
Written by Dan Abnett. Narrated by Toby Longworth. Runtime 24 hours and 26 minutes approx.
Pros: Abnett is a pro at world building through action and dialog, in-chapter and long-term foreshadowing, and adding that dash of poetry that really makes stories pop.
Cons: the “invasive” jargon of the world felt like it made its way into narrative and inner monologue thoughts, and while I appreciate the skill and reasoning, it was thoroughly distracting.
TL;DR: an excellent monster house, apocalypse story. Don’t expect a sequel.
I nearly DNFd this book but I am so glad I continued, it’s starts slow with multiple characters that can be difficult to follow but once it gets into its stride it’s a masterclass from Dan in 40k life/death